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Red Shadow Inner circle 1788 Posts |
Superstitions and Customs to be aware off
I have been performing for over 20 years, and still I learn of new superstitions and customs I am unaware off. Eventually I have decided to make this post to try and consolidate all the necessary know-how before accidently making a mistake. For example, on the Ferries between England and France, your act must not contain any rabbits in what-so-ever (as a picture on a drawing, a run-rabbit-run prop, puppet or live animal). The French believe that the rabbit is bad luck and will sink the ship – if they ever see the prop, you risk being removed from the ship as it causes mass problem with the rest of the crew and more importantly, you will never be asked back for a repeat gig. Another for the ferries is to not wear a Green Jumper. I have no idea why, I only know not to (thankfully I don’t own any anyway). When entering a mosque, you should remove your shoes. When entering a Jewish temple – you should wear a hat. For several Jewish events, you are not allowed to blow up a balloon, give away any food what-so-ever, write anything down, or use any electricity even if its your PA system. Some obvious ones like on the Cruise Ships – You don’t talk about the Titanic. Which others do you know? |
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Paddy Inner circle Milford OH 1571 Posts |
"For several Jewish events, you are not allowed to blow up a balloon, give away any food what-so-ever, write anything down, or use any electricity even if its your PA system."
Yes any event that is on the Sabbath (sundown Fri to sundown Sat.) it is forbidden to write or complete a circuit (as in turn on an electrical device.) Also at any Jewish event you do not give away any candy or food. The reason is that it may not be kosher. But remember to ask the Rabbi about everything because of the 3 branches of Judaism, Reform, Conservative, & Orthodox all have big differences in the role of keeping kosher. I have performed in some Temples that would probably serve ham, they just did not keep kosher. At other Temples the Rabbi wouldn't let me use my silk with a PICTURE of a rabbit on it because the rabbit is not kosher. |
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-05-22 05:53, ku7uk3 wrote: When performing in a prison, you should not wear an orange jumpsuit; Or perform any escape routines |
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Dannydoyle Eternal Order 21219 Posts |
I hear customs on the way into China is tough.
Danny Doyle
<BR>Semper Occultus <BR>In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act....George Orwell |
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-05-22 10:27, Dannydoyle wrote: It was my custom to have dinner on china for every meal, now, in my old age, any plate will do :gift: |
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George Ledo Magic Café Columnist SF Bay Area 3042 Posts |
Not sure if this applies to your post, but:
In a theater, you don't say "good luck" to the actors; you say "break a leg." The correct response is "thank you." Shakespeare's "Macbeth" is always referred to as "that Scottish play."
That's our departed buddy Burt, aka The Great Burtini, doing his famous Cups and Mice routine
www.georgefledo.net Latest column: "Sorry about the photos in my posts here" |
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Kameron Messmer Special user Billings, MT 742 Posts |
Ive done some shows for churches and thought later, "Arnt there some churches that don't like cards?" Something about Tarot, or fun or something?
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Scott Burton Inner circle 1131 Posts |
I had a Christian church that called once and asked to have a magic show didn't want me to say "magic", use magic words, or imply that anything that is going on has anything to do with real magic. It was obvious that the chance I would make an unintentional error was way to large. Luckily their budget was essentially nothing so I didn't have to get into a conversation of what a kid's magic show like this would look and sound like.
Saying this, I have worked for many groups who were very conservative (likely very religious) who have very much enjoyed my performances (outside the church setting). I understand that there are many types of Christians so I wouldn't exactly know what groups are most sensitive. |
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Steve_Mollett Inner circle Eh, so I've made 3006 Posts |
NO EGG TRICKS in a Hindu function; eggs are UNCLEAN.
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. - Albert Camus |
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MickNZ Special user Auckland, New Zealand 576 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-05-22 13:54, Kameron Messmer wrote: Some don't like cards or "fortune telling" or "magic words". Often you can slightly restructure what you're doing to get around stuff like that. My opinion is if they're really against that sort of thing then they shouldn't be bringing in magicians anyway, so I don't worry too much about it. Mind you there is no "bible belt" in my country ... |
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MickNZ Special user Auckland, New Zealand 576 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-05-22 19:21, Steve_Mollett wrote: I did an egg trick at a Hindu function a few weeks ago, no one said anything. Maybe they weren't Orthodox Hindu. |
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ThatsJustWrong! Special user My flying monkeys are perched on 629 Posts |
Some more theatre superstitions:
Whistling in a theatre is considered bad luck but there's a legit history. A lot of riggers for shows used to be sailors who were accustomed to whistled commands at sea. Whistling would cause confusion (and falling set pieces. This supertition also applies to the circus, likely for similar reasons. If you get caught whistling, some companies will make you leave the theatre, go outside, turn around three times and spit before you can come back in. Seriously. Even in NY. Peacock feathers are considered bad luck in theatres and circuses because of the 'evil eye' in them. Based on where you are from, Blue, Green, Yellow and Red are considered bad luck colors. Your best bet is a black speedo. If you ever work a circus, leave your doves home! Birds in the big top are considered an omen that someone will die. I also have a personal superstition of never eating curry before a show lest an impromptu intermission be required.
Joe Leo
All entertainers can benefit from some help from an experienced stage director. How about you? www.MisfitMysteries.com |
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Steve_Mollett Inner circle Eh, so I've made 3006 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-05-23 09:09, MickNZ wrote: and maybe profoundly polite.
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth. - Albert Camus |
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Ryan Price Special user winnipeg, MB, Canada 641 Posts |
Im not sure of the bird thing anymore at the circus as many circuses actually have bird acts now.
I have been referred to as an Illusionist for church groups and was asked not to use magic words. |
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ed rhodes Inner circle Rhode Island 2885 Posts |
Quote:
On 2012-05-22 13:47, George Ledo wrote: And you never ever quote from it backstage. The penalty generally is having to go outside, turn around three times, spit, swear and ask to be let back in. This actually happened to my wife.
"...and if you're too afraid of goin' astray, you won't go anywhere." - Granny Weatherwax
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arthur stead Inner circle When I played soccer, I hit 1773 Posts |
Stephen, I'm glad you started this post. Our livelihood has been severely affected by both superstitions and political correctness. The strange thing is, many of these idiotic restrictions apply only to certain states.
Halloween, for example, is sacred in New England. We were always tremendously busy at Halloween time, with shows for schools, libraries, birthdays and private events. We actually did 3 back-to-back shows at Witchcraft Heights Elementary School in Salem, Massachusetts (which is situated right on the hill where the witches had been executed). Not only that: all the students and teachers showed up in costume. And that's in Puritanical New England! Now fast forward to our new home in "progressive" Washington State. Since arriving here 3 years ago, we have not done one single Halloween show. They are prohibited in schools and libraries. You cannot even say the word "Halloween." Nor can you mention or use a skeleton prop, or a ghost, or display a carved pumpkin (but an un-carved pumpkin seems to be OK). Another thing: the word "witch" is also a no-no, because it could be interpreted as being hurtful to ugly people. I am not making this up! This is the official explanation we've been given. Also relevant to this post: Trixie Bond had some lecture notes years ago, which outlined many do's and don'ts when performing for different ethnic groups. |
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
Arthur:
Welcome to the west; it's not any better here in California |
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arthur stead Inner circle When I played soccer, I hit 1773 Posts |
Thanks, Howie. It's unbelievable!
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Mike Maturen Inner circle Michigan's Beautiful Sunrise Side 2726 Posts |
Political correctness run amok!
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment The Magic and Mayhem of Mike Maturen 989-335-1661 mikematuren@gmail.com AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life" member: International Magician's Society |
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Howie Diddot Inner circle San Francisco & Los Angeles California 3288 Posts |
I live with Political Correctness and pay $4.25 for a gallon of fuel.
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